Updates | The Foxhole Project

Q1 2026 Field Report

A Note from the Founder

Q1 was about momentum.

What stood out most wasn’t numbers or milestones. It was the steady support we’ve seen at every Campfire Social. Month after month, people showed up. That matters.

We’re starting to see something take shape. Not all at once, but consistently. And that’s the point.

The Foxhole Project is a veteran community built around connection, shared experience, and people showing up for each other.

We’re intentionally starting small. That’s how you build something people trust.

The foundation is there. The community is forming. And the consistency is starting to pay off.

Going into Q2, we’re focused on continuing to build and helping more veterans and families understand what this community is about.

— Craig Rauwolf
Founder & Executive Director

Q1 Snapshot

3 Campfire Social Gatherings
17–18 Average Campfire Attendance
38 Discord Members
9+ Game Nights & Online Meetups
13 Resource Navigation Conversations
~18 Volunteer Hours Logged

This is what steady looks like.
Not one big event. Just consistent connection, month after month.

Campfire Social

Consistency Builds Culture

Each month, we’ve kept it simple and consistent.

The atmosphere is laid-back. Conversations happen naturally around the fire. It feels like being around people you already trust.

Stories get shared.
People laugh.
Kids play nearby.
S’mores get made.

And when it comes up, people help each other with real-world connections and support.

That’s the point.

These gatherings aren’t about programming. They’re about creating a space where veterans and families can show up, be themselves, and reconnect with community.

The Digital Foxhole

Our Discord community continues to grow in a steady, intentional way.

Some areas are active daily, especially around gaming and conversation. Others come to life during planned events like game nights and weekly rally points.

Members are using it to:

connect through games
stay in conversation between gatherings
ask for help when they need it
engage at their own pace

It’s not built for noise. It’s built for access.

Retreat Development

Building the Right Way

Q1 brought real progress toward our first Waypoint Retreat.

We finalized the retreat pilot proposal and received board approval to move forward with the next phase this summer, pending funding.

Progress this quarter:

scoped a potential site
began conversations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
started planning logistics and access

We’re not rushing this process.

The goal is to build a retreat experience that reflects the same values as everything else we do: community, shared experience, and doing things the right way from the start.

Community Spotlight

The People Showing Up

This quarter, the spotlight isn’t on one person.

It’s on the group that continues to show up behind the scenes and around the fire — our Board of Directors.

They’re not just names on paper. They’re present. They show up. They spend time with the community. They help shape what this becomes in real time.

The Foxhole Project is growing because it’s not being built alone.

Built by community. Led by example.

Behind the Scenes Progress

Q1 focused on strengthening the organization behind the scenes.

Key steps included:

establishing core policies for accountability and safety
improving financial tracking
filing required nonprofit reports
building a stronger operational foundation

These steps aren’t always visible, but they’re what make long-term growth possible.

Funding & Partnerships

We made steady progress building sustainable support.

This quarter:

launched our Colorado Gives profile
continued the Foxhole T-Shirt fundraiser
advanced the Scout project
began pursuing grant opportunities

We also secured our first Campfire-level business partner.

This is how long-term programs get built.

What’s Ahead — Q2 2026

Q2 is focused on building momentum and expanding our presence.

Continued Consistency

Campfire Social remains on the last Friday of each month
Discord engagement continues through conversations and game nights

Building Toward What’s Next

We’re preparing for our first Waypoint Retreat later this year.

We’re also launching a Veterans Service Day project with Great Sand Dunes National Park, bringing veterans together through shared outdoor work and experience.